As Sept. 1 and the season opener approach, the women’s cross country team is hard at work. Because the team returns three seniors, expectations are as high as the Lawrence summer’s heat. Lisa Morrisey, Alicia McGregor and Hayley Harbert return for their senior campaign with hopes of a quick start and a sprint for the Big 12 title.

“We have three really good seniors,” sophomore Lauren Bonds said. “Alicia is really good at keeping an optimistic attitude, and she really works hard. Lisa is definitely a competitor, and she always shows up to run. And Hayley is a real hard worker, and she is someone I can always go to for advice.”

While the seniors will be asked to lead the pack, the entire unit will need to push the pace. Returning only a single junior, the team will rely on the core of nine sophomores to give depth to this year’s assault on the Big 12.

After having success as a freshman, Bonds is looking to take the next step.

“Lauren scored really high at outdoor,” McGregor said. “She has really improved a lot and I know that she is going to do really well this year.”

The trio of seniors and the young guns will take aim Sept. 1 at their first meet. It begins at 9 a.m. at Rim Rock Farm, located north of Lawrence on Highway 40.

— Edited by Matt Erickson